CHICAGO — Chicago Bears first-round draft pick Chris Williams had surgery to repair a herniated disk in his lower back, team spokesman Scott Hagel said.

The 14th overall pick, Williams was expected to start at left tackle, but those plans went awry when he left the Bears' second practice because of stiffness. He's been sidelined ever since but remains on the 53-man roster.

Hagel said there is no connection between that injury and a minor back problem Williams experienced at Vanderbilt.

With Williams out, John St. Clair started at left tackle in the preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night.